Grattons Park

The woodland here is proper Surrey - dense beech and oak, the kind of place where you'll actually hear birds rather than just see them. Grattons Park is a nature reserve sitting just outside Crawley, and it's the sort of spot that rewards a slow walk rather than a rushed tick-off-the-list visit.

You get woodland trails that wind through mature trees, with the occasional clearing where you can actually breathe properly. It's not dramatic - no soaring views or waterfall moments - but that's rather the point. This is for people who find peace in trees, who want to spot nuthatches and spot woodpeckers without needing to trek for hours. Families with young kids will manage the walking, though they might lose interest if there's no river to splash in or playground at the end.

The reserve works brilliantly as part of a caravan holiday in the area. If you're based at Gatwick Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, just 2.2 miles away, or trying the glamping option at Worth Forest, this gives you a proper morning out without driving anywhere significant. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice - rushing through woodland defeats the object.

It's free to access, which is always worth knowing. The best time is early morning in spring or autumn when the light filters through properly and the birds are active. Mid-summer can feel a bit airless under the canopy. Worth the detour if you're after genuine quiet rather than manicured gardens.